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“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end” (Proverbs 19:20).

There is respect to be shown to those who are older and wisdom to be found in their grey hairs if their heart is set on the Lord. “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31).

But just because someone is older doesn’t automatically make them right with God, either. “Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment” (Job 32:9).

Poor choices made when we are younger often follow us into our aged years. Many who once blamed their sin on being “young and dumb” are now continuing to make poor choices because they are “older and bolder.” The ones who in their youth stated “no one would tell them what to do,” now boast how they are too old and set in their ways to change. Some things are good to be settled and unmovable on, but a heart set on committing evil is not one of them.

There is one truth that cannot be diminished and one command even the hardest of hearts is guaranteed to follow. “As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Cantankerous ways and wicked, sinful decisions will be given account of on judgment day! The bold and brazen will one day stand before God to receive just reward for the choices they have made. They cannot blame anyone else for their choices either, for no one could tell them what to do. The proud, too, will one day bow their knees and confess with their mouths that Jesus is Lord. “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God” (Romans 14:11).

The “no one will tell me what to do” crowd will follow every command given to them on that day. They will bow as He said they would and depart as He commands them to do. “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:23).

The rebellious here on earth will be obedient to the confines of the everlasting fire in eternity. Those who have fought so hard against truth during their lives, will one day face the harshness of the reality of truth in their death and eternal punishment. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18).

Examine yourself before God and through His Word. Take a good look at yourself and the ways you have been acting. Do you really want to stand before God and give account for your attitude and actions? God can change the cold, hardened heart of the aged, just like He can a young tender one. “He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow” (Psalms 147:18).

Even an old creature can be made new through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The world says “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” and that might be true, but even an “old dog” can be made into a new creature! “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Make your peace with God now while you can and make amends with those you have wronged in life’s pathway. Take the time to say “I’m sorry” or “I was wrong.” Confess your sins before God and admit your wrongdoings to your family and friends before it’s too late. When you stand before God­—and one day you will—that day you will be glad you did!

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7).

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